Psalms 119:120 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:120 mean?

Psalms 119:120 describes the psalmist’s deep, physical reaction of fear and awe toward God and His judgments, saying that his body trembles because of reverence for God and a sober respect for God’s decisions and standards. The verse highlights a sense of being overwhelmed by the seriousness and authority of God’s ways.

The speaker is the writer of Psalm 119, traditionally understood as someone devoted to God’s law, expressing personal feelings directly to God. The setting is one of intense personal devotion, where the psalmist is reflecting on the weight and holiness of God’s judgments. This verse shows that the psalmist’s respect for God is not just intellectual or emotional, but so deep it affects him physically.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:120

• flesh (בָּשָׂר, basar): This word means the physical body, emphasizing that the psalmist’s reaction is not just inward or spiritual, but something he feels in his actual flesh.
• trembleth (סָמַר, samar): This word is often used for hair standing on end, suggesting a shudder or goosebumps from fear or awe. It paints a vivid picture of the psalmist’s intense response.
• fear (פַּחַד, pachad): This word carries the sense of terror or dread, not just respectful awe. The psalmist is describing a real, gripping fear before God.
• afraid (יָרֵא, yare): This word is often used for reverence or awe, showing that the psalmist’s fear is mixed with deep respect.
• judgments (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This refers to God’s decisions, laws, or standards. The psalmist is not just afraid of God in general, but specifically of the seriousness of God’s standards and the consequences they bring.

Why Psalms 119:120 matters

• This verse makes clear that reverence for God is not just a mental or emotional attitude, but can be so powerful it affects a person physically.
• Psalms 119:120 helps correct the idea that fear of God is only about respect; here, it includes a real sense of trembling and awe at God’s authority and justice.
• In the context of Psalm 119, which is a long meditation on God’s law, this verse shows the psalmist’s deep awareness of the seriousness of God’s standards, not just their beauty or wisdom.